A TRADITIONAL smoking ceremony held by senior Gunai elder Sandra Patten on Saturday marked the opening of Mt Hotham's first beginner-only terrain for skiers and snowboarders.
Bunderool carpet, which means 'hill covered by snow' in the local Gunaikurnai language, is part of Hotham's ongoing commitment to elevate the experience for beginners on the mountain, as well as improving the safety of all guests during the snow season.
The new carpet aims to provide a safe, accessible and approachable experience for first-time adult skiers and snowboarders, according to vice president and general manager of Hotham, Tina Burford.
"Hotham was honoured to have Gunai elder Sandra Pattern perform the ceremony," she said.
"We are extremely lucky at our special mountain-top village to have this experience for our guests, which reimagines the beginner experience.
"The naming of Bunderool is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to our 'Be inclusive' value, both with the naming of the carpet and with the welcoming beginners to the sport."
Elder Sandra said this was the first time she had performed a smoking ceremony on the snow.
"I'm very privileged and am mesmerised by the mountains, I feel at home," she said.
"As the smoke drifts over the area, it will keep it safe and welcome people to the land."
A ribbon cutting on Saturday followed by senior mountain operations manager Luke Rickards giving Elder Sandra a ride on the new conveyor-carpet launched the Bunderool carpet.
It opened officially to guests on Monday after the dedicated efforts of the resort's groomers and snowmakers.
“We’re excited to open both Bunderool Carpet at Hotham Central and Cobungra Platter Carpet at Dinner Plain today (Monday) for our school holiday families and beginners," Ms Burford said.
Hotham's latest edition was also welcomed by Mother Nature, who blessed the resort with 20cm of fresh snow over the weekend.
Falls Creek was also blessed with similar weekend falls with both alpine resorts able to open more terrain and lifts during the school holidays.